Human Rights Watch has denounced Iraq’s recent amendment to its 1959 Personal Status Law, warning that it undermines women’s rights and reinforces gender inequality. Passed in January, the amendment allows Iraqis to choose between civil or religious laws for family matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and child custody. Under this change, the Shiite Endowment Office introduced the Code of Jaafari Rulings, approved by parliament, which lets men convert their marriage contracts to religious law without notifying their wives and grants them the right to divorce without consent. It also gives fathers automatic custody of children after age seven.

Rights groups, including Amnesty International, caution that the new code weakens legal protections for women and girls, potentially paving the way for child marriages and unregistered unions. Critics argue that the law relegates women to “second-class citizens” and are calling for the amendment’s repeal to restore fairness and equal protection under the law.

Abba Father, shield women and children who face injustice under unfair laws. Protect those who are vulnerable and give them courage to stand firm. May Your mercy be a covering over every home where fear and pain dwell. Amen (The Holy Bible, Psalm 72:14).

Lord, comfort the hearts of women who feel unheard or forgotten. Bring healing to broken families and strength to those fighting for their rights. Let light overcome the darkness of oppression, and hope rise again in every life. Amen (The Holy Bible, Psalm 34:18).

News Source : Iraqi News

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